South Dakota State House supports Israel in Gaza conflict

January 27, 2009

BY BOB MERCER, American News Correspondent PIERRE - The South Dakota Legislature ventured into foreign policy this week. The state House of Representatives voted 66-4 Tuesday approving a resolution of support for Israel “in its defense of the Gaza strip.” “As Americans we must show our unwavering support for our allies in the Middle East,” said Rep. Dan Lederman, R-Dakota Dunes, the resolution's prime sponsor. Today a House panel considers legislation that would prohibit state government from conducting business with or investing in companies that operate in Angola. The Israel resolution, HCR 1003, now moves to the Senate, where its lead sponsor is Sen. Stanford Adelstein, R-Rapid City. The statement has 100 of the 105 legislators signed as sponsors. The Sudan restrictions are contained in HB 1098, whose prime sponsor is Rep. Bernie Hunhoff, D-Yankton. Hunhoff, the House Democratic leader, has a politically balanced list of seven co-sponsors, with Sen. Gene Abadallah, R-Sioux Falls, as the lead in the Senate. The House Commerce Committee is scheduled to hold the first hearing on the bill this morning. Only one House member spoke against the Israel resolution Tuesday. Said Rep. Bill Thompson, D-Sioux Falls, “I cannot endorse what I see as excessive force in the invasion of Gaza.” Other House members made clear they see the situation very differently. There were 6,500 rockets fired into Israel from Gaza, according to Rep. Marc Feinstein, D-Sioux Falls. “No one likes to be shot at,” Rep. Jim Putnam, R-Armour, said.